Travel to High Altitudes

[bon]

Hi,
I am traveling to Peru this summer and will be at elevations about 10,000 feet. I realized that my meter has not been "tested and approved" above 10,000 feet and I'm curious whether or not the readings will be off. Has anyone else experienced this before? Any suggestions?
Thanks.

[davef]

I'm jealous, I'd love to be going with you!

I can't speak with experience of travelling to such heights, but I do work in the Electronics industry, generally when specifications are issued there is a good degree of latitude built in, for example we are about to supply a device which is battery powered to a customer, testing by us and our supplier shows that the battery life is 2.8-3.5 hours from a full charge, we will inform our customer that it's 2-2.5 hours so that we are well within the limits of the unit.

I'd suggest that you bring a second (or third) meter with you and perhaps contact the manufacturer before you travel, you never know, their marketing people might like to provide one/two new meters so that they can then write about the "heights" of testing their meters go to!

Enjoy the trip,

[bon]

Thanks for the tip. Naturally, Therasense just said that the meter "has not been tested and approved for altitudes above 10,000 feet" which isn't really helpful. I will bring an extra, though, so I can compare if I think the number is off.

[Harold]

You may want to contact them. They maybe able to give you an idea of what to look for if your meter does start going off track. I would suggest a fresh bottle of testing solution and plenty of strips. When you get erroneous readings with the solution you will know the meter is untrustworthy.

[jazzbo]

Hi. I was in Switzerland last year and had a pretty severe hypo at a high elevation. Hiking around at high elevation was apparently more exercise than I realized it would be. My meter was definitely not giving me correct readings. Take snacks or glucose tablets just to be safe. I use a One Touch Ultra. Have fun and enjoy the views!
Best wishes for your good health.
Jazzbo

[kidvid]

I don't think 10,000' elevations will hurt the meter accuracy. I live in Colorado and have traveled, recreated and stayed at elevations 10k and above with no adverse effects. I use a One touch ultra.

Have fun in Peru!

Joe